A custom-length Free-Cut COB LED strip can help match the light-emitting section to a cabinet, shelf or fixture dimension. Cutting flexibility solves part of the dimensional problem; the buyer and supplier still need to agree on voltage, light quality, wiring, protection and the finished assembly.
This ordering guide is for lighting brands, distributors, fixture manufacturers, cabinet and furniture manufacturers, and project buyers preparing a sample request or quotation. The aim is to turn an installation drawing into requirements that a supplier can review and price.
If you are still deciding which cutting format suits the design, start with the Free-Cut vs Fixed-Cut COB comparison. Once the format is chosen, use the ten sections below to prepare the specification. For a different product platform, review the COB LED strip range and identify the candidate model in your inquiry.
1. Required Finished Length
Provide the length of each individual strip section and the quantity of each length. A total meter quantity alone does not tell the supplier whether you need identical pieces or a mixture of short and long sections.
Define what the dimension refers to: the illuminated strip, the cut strip body, or the complete assembly including end treatments. State whether leads and connectors sit inside or outside the available installation space. If a tolerance matters, put it on the drawing rather than leaving the supplier to infer it.
- Assign a piece ID or drawing reference to each distinct length.
- List the required length in millimeters and the number of pieces.
- Identify repeated parts and any left-hand or right-hand versions.
- Show the allowed end clearance and any dimensional tolerance for review.
Ask the supplier to confirm the proposed cutting and termination method for that configuration. Free-Cut does not remove the need to check how the finished piece will be connected and installed.
2. Voltage Selection
State whether the project requires a 12V DC or 24V DC version. The current HST Free-Cut platform lists both options; choose the version against the actual installation and electrical system rather than treating the two as interchangeable.
Include individual section lengths, the planned wiring arrangement, power-supply output and any controller or dimmer information. Distinguish the total order quantity from the length of each powered section. If the electrical design is still open, identify it as a question for review instead of choosing a voltage from a general rule.
3. Power and Brightness Requirements
Describe what the lighting needs to achieve: a decorative line, shelf illumination, merchandise lighting or a task-lighting function. State any specified power target in W/m and light-output requirement, with the conditions under which they need to be assessed.
Tell the supplier which profile, diffuser and mounting arrangement will be used. The installed appearance should be reviewed with those parts, rather than judged only from a bare strip. If you have a reference fixture or sample, identify it and explain which feature you want to match.
Ask for applicable data for the exact proposed configuration. Record unresolved brightness or power requirements as open items for sample evaluation; a requested target is not an approved product result.
4. Color Temperature and CRI
Confirm CCT before approving a sample. Warm light may be considered for residential or hospitality interiors, neutral light for commercial displays, and cooler light for some task applications. The final choice should follow the materials, surrounding light and intended appearance.
The current Free-Cut product information lists 3000K, 4000K and 6500K options and Ra90. Identify the required CCT and CRI in the RFQ and ask the supplier to confirm them for the version being quoted. Other requests need separate review.
For multiple fixtures in one space, explain how they will be viewed together. Agree how color appearance will be checked, and evaluate the proposed sample with the intended diffuser and illuminated materials before accepting the production specification.
5. Indoor or Waterproof Version
Describe the installation environment and any required IP rating. Include whether the strip is inside dry cabinetry, exposed to cleaning moisture, near splashing water or subject to another defined exposure. An environment description helps the supplier review the construction being requested.
Specify whether pieces are to be supplied at finished length or adjusted on site. Confirm final sealing, cable exits and end termination for the selected build. A cut waterproof strip should not be assumed to retain its protection automatically after field cutting.
Ask which cutting and sealing instructions apply to the exact supplied assembly. If the protection requirement is unresolved, keep it open for engineering review before finalizing the mounting space or placing the production order.
6. Cable, Connector and Lead-Wire Requirements
Show cable exit direction, required lead-wire length and where the connection must fit. A strip that fits the channel can still be difficult to install if the cable or connector occupies space needed by an end cap or cabinet component.
State whether soldered leads or a connector are requested. For a connector, provide a part reference, drawing or mating-component details, including orientation and polarity requirements. Ask the supplier to confirm compatibility with the selected strip, voltage and construction.
Identify whether wiring will be factory prepared or completed during installation. Confirm the proposed arrangement on the sample; connector availability and fit should be settled for the actual assembly.
7. Installation Dimensions
Provide the usable internal channel width, cabinet or fixture dimensions, mounting space and room for the ends and connections. Mark obstructions, cable routes and any dimension that cannot change. A dimensioned drawing is more useful than the nominal outside size of a profile.
Free-Cut is valuable when the required lighting length follows a custom cabinet, display or fixture dimension. The length adjustment should be considered together with the complete installation, including the diffuser, mounting surface and termination clearance.
HST Light’s Free-Cut COB LED Strip is a product option for this review. The current HST-FCOB528-8-DC12/24V platform has an 8mm PCB and 12V or 24V versions. Confirm the dimensions of the finished construction and connections, rather than treating PCB width alone as the required channel width.
8. Quantity and Packaging
Separate sample quantity from expected production quantity. For a mixed-length order, keep the quantity beside each piece ID so the supplier can distinguish the number of assemblies from the total strip length.
Describe whether pieces need individual protection, grouping by length, installation kits, or another packaging arrangement. State any label fields, such as your part number, voltage, CCT, length and drawing revision. Include artwork or label requirements for review if applicable.
Discuss custom packaging and identification through LED strip OEM/ODM support. Ask the supplier to confirm order conditions, sample arrangements and scheduling against the reviewed specification. Avoid assuming one MOQ or delivery time applies to every custom configuration.
9. What Should Be Confirmed in the Sample?
Ask for a sample representative of the version you intend to order. Identify its model, voltage, CCT, piece length and wiring arrangement, then evaluate it in the proposed installation. Record which requirements have been confirmed and which remain open.
- Finished length, end allowance and suitability of the proposed cutting method.
- Brightness consistency and visual appearance in the intended profile or fixture.
- CCT and the specified color-rendering requirement.
- Power consumption and thermal behavior with the planned mounting and supply.
- Cable exit, lead length, polarity and connector arrangement.
- Installation fit, including any protective construction and final terminations.
Agree the evaluation method and acceptance criteria with the supplier; this checklist does not set universal pass/fail thresholds. For the broader production approval process, see how custom LED strip samples are validated before mass production.
10. RFQ Checklist
Copy this checklist into your inquiry. Use one specification line for each distinct length or configuration, and mark undecided fields as “to be confirmed.” Attach the current installation drawing and identify its revision.
- □ Required length: piece ID, individual length, what the dimension includes, and any critical tolerance.
- □ Quantity: pieces per length, total order quantity and any expected repeat demand.
- □ Voltage: requested 12V or 24V version, plus available supply and control details.
- □ CCT: requested color temperature for each configuration.
- □ CRI requirement: required color-rendering specification and any evaluation needs.
- □ Indoor / waterproof: exposure, required IP rating and who completes final sealing.
- □ Application: cabinet, furniture, display, fixture or architectural detail.
- □ Installation dimensions: usable channel width, mounting space, diffuser and end clearance.
- □ Cable requirement: exit direction, lead-wire length and factory or site preparation.
- □ Connector requirement: mating part, orientation or soldered-lead request, subject to confirmation.
- □ Packaging / label: grouping, protection, part identification and artwork requirements.
- □ Sample requirement: quantity, configurations to evaluate and the approval items.
Add a power target or brightness requirement if one is specified. Ask the quotation to identify the proposed model and configuration, any exceptions to your request, and the items still needing sample confirmation. Keep the final agreed specification with the quotation so later revisions are clear.
Request a Custom-Length COB Project Review
Have a custom-length COB project? Send us your required lengths, quantity, voltage, CCT and installation details. HST Light can review the specification and arrange a sample before mass production.
Include your cut list or drawing, the intended application and any unresolved questions. This gives the team a useful starting point for checking the product configuration and preparing the sample or quotation.